Strikes have begun at Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tata Steel in Germany over wages

3 November 00:33

In Germany, workers in the steel and electrical engineering industries have launched a wave of strikes over a dispute regarding wages. On Monday, employees of Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tata Steel joined the protests. The IG Metall union is stepping up pressure on employers as part of negotiations affecting 3.7 million workers in the sector. This was reported by Reuters , as relayed by "Komersant Ukrainian"

What the union is demanding

Reuters reports that the union is demanding a 5% wage increase starting in November, measures to protect jobs and production sites, and profit-sharing schemes for employees at companies with strong financial performance.

The strikes began after employers presented a second wage proposal. IG Metall rejected it, stating that, taking inflation into account, it would effectively mean a reduction in workers’ real incomes.

What Employers Are Offering

It is reported that, under the employers’ proposal, workers would receive a one-time payment of 1% in July 2027, followed by a 1.3% wage increase starting in July 2028.

At the same time, companies facing financial difficulties are being offered the option to waive the one-time payment.

In addition to demanding a 5% wage increase starting in November, the union is also demanding job security and the preservation of production. Separately, IG Metall proposes introducing profit-sharing mechanisms at companies that are operating successfully.

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Strikes will continue throughout the week

According to IG Metall’s plans, the strikes will last throughout the week. The union is expected to release data on the number of protesters on Friday.

During the previous round of negotiations in 2024, more than 100,000 workers joined the protests on peak strike days.

The current labor dispute involves Germany’s metallurgical and electrical engineering industries, where demands for higher wages are combined with calls to preserve jobs and production capacity.

Strikes took place in ports last week

October 30 "Komersant Ukrainian" reported that port workers in 22 countries went on strike to protest the war and the use of ports to transport weapons to conflict zones. According to the organizers, the action could affect more than 40% of cargo traffic in the Mediterranean and delay the shipment of goods worth more than $2 billion.

Initially, port workers’ unions in Italy, France, Greece, the Basque Country, Turkey, and Morocco called for the protest. Subsequently, more than 25 unions representing workers at 113 ports joined them.

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Victoria Koval

Editor